Argentina Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is the average altitude of the country of Argentina?
3,000 feet / 915 meters above sea level.
What are Argentina’s climate moderators?
- Altitude
- Rain shadow from the Andes
In addition to temperature moderation, what is another important impact of altitude in Argentina?
The vines are physically closer to the sun with altitude meaning they have less UV protection. The grapes here develop thicker skins with greater anthocyanins (color pigments), tanins, aromas and flavor compounds.
Where are some of the highest vineyards in Argentina (and the world)?
Salta province, and in particular near Cafayate. They can extend 2000m or more above sea level. This allows cool enough sites even though they are close to the equator.
What growing technique is used due to the intense sunshine in many parts of Argentina?
The parral (pergola) or vertical trellising systems to help with heat and protect the grapes from sunburn.
What are some climante and weather challenges in Argentina?
- Low rainfall meaning irrigation is critical. Traditionally flood irrigation, but more and more using drip irrigation. Water is drawn from rivers flowing from the mountains. The positive is the dry climate has very little rot or mildew challenges.
- Spring frosts
- Summer hail storm. Producers use netting (which also protects somewhat from UV), and /or own vineyards in many different sites for risk management and blending.
What is the soil like in Argentina wine growing regions?
The main wine districts are in areas of very low soil fertility. Many are visibily gravelly and rocky due to glacier deposits and rivers. Many contain sand, clay, and limestone.
What is Argentina’s signature red grape? Signature white grape?
Red = Malbec
White = Torrontes
What are the white grape varieties of Argentina that you need to know?
- Torrontes
- Chardonnay
Also: Chenin Blanc, Sauviginon Blanc, Semmilon, Viogner, Pedro Gimenez (greatest numebr of plantings, used for domestic cheap wines)
What are the red grape varieties that you need to know?
- Malbec
- Caberneu Sauvignon
- Bonarda
- Tempranillo
- Syrah
Also: Pinot Noir
Where does Argentina rank in world wine production?
Argentina is the 5th largest wine producer in the world
Who brought grapes to Argentina? When?
Cuttings are thought to first be brought by Juan Cedron, a Spanish missionary who trekked from Chile over the Andes to Argentina in 1556.
Likely brought Listan Prieto (known as Criolla Chica in Chile)
Why were the 1800s important to viticulture in Argentina?
The influx of immigrants from France, Italy and Spain began in the 1820s.
In 1852, the Quinta Nacional was formed - a national vine nursery founded by French botanist Michel Aime Pouget. He brought vine cuttings from France (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Semillon, Malvasia, Muscat)
In the 1890s a second wave of immigration occured when Europeans were escaping the phylloxera epidemic.
Why did the quality of Argentinian wines improve so dramatically in the last 30+ years?
- Argentina is no longer politically unstable with crazy inflaction
- Inspiration / competition with Chile who was able to reinvent their wine industry improving quality of basic whiles while also creating a tier of luxury wines
- Bodegas Weinert - one of the great traditional bodegas - began exporting with critical acclaim in the 1970s and proved Argentina was capable of producing world-class wine
- The success of Nicolas Catena who studied in the USA and befriended Mondavi. Took over the family Argentinian wine business and with inspiration from the Napa and Sonoma wines he loved made Catena Zapata the most innovative winering in Argentina
- The industry hired French, Italian and American consultants to help modernize.
Who are some of the Argeninian Producers to know?
Catena Zapata
Susana Balbo
Bodegas y Cavas Weinert
Michel Rolland
Bodega Noemia
What are the three main regions / groups of provinces to know from North to South
- The Northern Regions
- Cuyo
- Patagonia & the Atlantic Region
What provinces are in the Northern Regions
The Northern Regions is scattered across the foothills of the Andes at very high elevations. It includes:
1. Salta
2. Catamarca
3. Tucuman
4. Jujuy
What provinces are in the Cuyo region?
Cuyo means “land of sand” and is the most important area for wine in Argentina (90% of wine is made here). It includes:
1. La Rioja
2. San Juan
3. Mendoza
What provinces are in the Patagonia & Atlantic Region?
These areas are the furthest south and lowest altitude. They include:
1. La Pampa
2. Neuquen
3. Rio Negro
4. Chubut
5. Buenos Aires
What is unique about the Salta province?
Salta has some of the highest vineyards in the world. The altitude is 5,100-10,200 feet with some vineyards about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).
This altitude creates an extreme environment.
What grapes are produced in Salta province?
Torrontes is the dominant grape, producing highly aromatic wines. Specifically, the varietal Torrontes Riojana.
The Cafayete Department is well known for superior Torrontes and also produces a lean, herbal Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Describe Torrontes.
- White grape
- Born in Argentina from crossing Listan Prieto and Muscat of Alexandria
- Highly aromatic and perfumed
- Stone fruit and melon
- Medium body, medium acidity
Found in:
- Salta
- La Rioja
- San Juan
- Mendoza
Where is Mendoza Province?
West of Buenos Aires, 1,000 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean
What is Mendoza known for?
Malbec - 85% of the country’s Malbec is from Mendoza
